INSPEXIMUS OF A MILITARY ALLIANCE AGAINST PHILIP OF FRANCE

MS 590/26
MS Short Title INSPEXIMUS OF A MILITARY ALLIANCE AGAINST PHILIP OF FRANCE
Text INSPEXIMUS BY ANTHONY BEK BISHOP OF DURHAM, WILLIAM LOUTH BISHOP OF ELY, AND WALTER LANGTON BISHOP OF COVENTRY AND LICHFIELD, OF THE LETTERS OF EDWARD I DATED 7 JANUARY 1297 ANNOUNCING THE CONCLUSION OF A TREATY OF MILITARY ALLIANCE AGAINST KING PHILIP OF FRANCE, BETWEEN HIMSELF AND GUY COUNT OF FLANDERS, DATED WASINGHAM 6 FEBRUARY 1297
Description MS in French and Latin on vellum, Wasingham, England, 6 February 1297, 1 f., 36x51 cm, (30x47 cm), 45 long lines in a rounded court documentary script, ascenders on the first line, decorated opening initial, red wax seal of the bishop of Durham, thong of 1 more seal.
Binding England, 1946-1971, display box.
Provenance 1. Sir Thomas Phillipps, Cheltenham, Ph 27718 (-1872); 2. Katharine, John, Thomas & Alan Fenwick, Cheltenham, (1872-1946); 3. Robinson Bros., London (1946-1977); 4. Sotheby's 14.6.1971:1417; 5. Hoffman & Freeman (1971-1974); 6. Bernard Rosenthal Collection, San Francisco, I/234 (1974-1989); 7. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary

Armed with this treaty of alliance between England and Flanders, the 3 bishops were at the date of this inspeximus on their way to the French king to negotiate a truce between the allies and France. The negotiation failed, as was intended, and Edward led an expedition to Flanders in August 1297.

The treaty is printed in Rymer, Foedera, I, 1816, 850, but the inspeximus seems to be unrecorded.

Place of origin Wasingham
Dates 1297 AD